THE RANGE OF the brand-new Audi A4 will include even more models than have already been presented, namely the saloon, the Avant and the Cabrio.

Next car to be introduced will be the powerful S4 sports version, to be launched some day next summer. The smaller brother of the A6 mud-plugger, the A4 Allroad, which will be launched in autumn 2002, will then follow the S4. Last will be the new A4 Coupé, which will see daylight at the 2003 Geneva Show.

Like its predecessor, the new S4 will be available in two body versions, the 4-door saloon and the station wagon named Avant. It might well come as a cabrio later and even in coupe guise – the car to drive in the same division as BMW's M3 variants. Audis plan to take part in the American Le Mans Series confirms rumours of a V8-version, that makes the A4 Coupé V8 a true competitor to the coming BMW M3 GTR*. (The computer-drawing).

However, first S4 (the car on our photos) will be the saloon and it will come with all common sports equipment like lower and stiffer chassis, bigger front air-intake, bigger wheels and a sportier interior trim including fine bucket seats.

Under the bonnet will be Audi's powerful 2.7-litre 30-valve V6, then performing around 280 bhp. An even more potent version, the replacement for the RS4 still basing on the predecessor A4 model, should not be expected before 2004.

FACTS
· Coming Audi S4 – saloon and Avant
· V6, turbo
· 2.7-litre, 30 valve
· 280 bhp
· Summer 2002


Images
Photos: Coming Audi S4 at der Nordschleife, Nürburgring, Germany.
Computer drawing: 4-door Audi Coupé with V8 power.

Spy-photos by: AutoMedia (our man in the threes along Nürburgring).


*) Details of the BMW M3 with V8 engine from American Le Mans Series:
sportscartesting.com, News of the Day, September 2. 2001.